Floatation Therapy: Science, Benefits, and the Flōtstōne Experience
- Kotaro Kojima
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 3

Introduction
Beyond Relaxation: The Deeper Potential of Floatation Therapy
Flōtstōne’s Integrative Approach
The Science Behind Floating
Neuroscience Research & Early Findings
Amygdala Deactivation (Stress Response)
Deep Meditative States & Brain Calm
Cortisol Reduction & Stress Relief
Echoes of Experience: What Floaters Report
Proven and Potential Benefits of Floatation Therapy
Mental Health & Emotional Balance
Stress & Anxiety Reduction
Mindfulness & Emotional Resilience
Endorphin & Dopamine Release for Mood
Skincare & Detoxification
Epsom Salt Benefits (Magnesium Absorption)
Circulation & Natural Detox Support
Physical Recovery & Pain Relief
Muscle Tension & Joint Relief
Athletic Training & Injury Recovery
Chronic Pain, Migraines & Sensory Relief
Sleep Quality
Restorative, Deep Sleep
Circadian Rhythm Regulation
Cognitive Clarity & Creativity
Enhanced Problem-Solving & Brain Synchronization
Visualization & Mental Rehearsal
Immune System Support
Stress Reduction for Immune Health
Magnesium’s Role in Cellular Function
The Flōtstōne Difference
Spacious Quest Floatation Suites
Customizable Star Ceilings & Sensory Options
Luxury Spa Amenities
Advanced Cleanliness & Safety Protocols
A Path to Restoration and Renewal
Floating as a Transformative Tool for Body & Mind
Flōtstōne’s Invitation to Relax, Rejuvenate, and Heal
Floatation therapy — sometimes called sensory deprivation therapy — is more than a relaxing spa treatment. Growing research and countless personal testimonials suggest it may offer measurable benefits for mental health, physical recovery, and overall well-being. At Flōtstōne, we combine the most advanced float suite technology with luxury spa amenities to create an experience that supports body, mind, and spirit.
The Science Behind Floating
Recent interest in floatation therapy has expanded beyond the wellness world into the realm of neuroscience. Researchers such as Dr. Justin Feinstein, a neuropsychologist at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, have been studying what happens in the brain during and after a float. His team’s early findings are fascinating:
Amygdala Deactivation – Preliminary fMRI scans show that floating can “switch off” activity in the amygdala, the brain’s fight-or-flight center, in a way similar to some anti-anxiety medications — without the side effects.
Deep Meditative States – Floating may offer a “shortcut” to the mental calm and focus typically achieved through long-term meditation practice.
Stress Hormone Reduction – Research going back decades, including studies by Dr. Thomas Fine, found significant drops in cortisol (the stress hormone) after multiple float sessions.
These early results echo what many floaters report: less anxiety, improved sleep, reduced pain, and a calmer, clearer mental state.
Proven and Potential Benefits of Floatation Therapy
Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or simply someone in need of deep rest, floatation therapy can offer a range of benefits:
1. Mental Health & Emotional Balance
Supports mindfulness and introspection by removing external distractions
Reduces stress and anxiety symptoms by lowering cortisol levels
Enhances the release of endorphins and dopamine for improved mood
2. Skincare & Detoxification
High concentrations of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) relax muscles and nourish the skin
Promotes circulation, aiding the body’s natural detox processes
3. Physical Recovery & Pain Relief
Eases muscle tension and joint strain with zero-gravity buoyancy
Supports recovery from athletic training, injuries, or chronic pain conditions such as arthritis
May provide relief from migraines and reduce sensitivity to sensory overload
4. Sleep Quality
Encourages deeper, more restorative sleep
Helps regulate circadian rhythms for those struggling with insomnia or restless nights
5. Cognitive Clarity & Creativity
Improves brain hemisphere synchronization for better problem-solving and creative thinking
Allows for effective visualization and mental rehearsal in a distraction-free environment
6. Immune System Support
Reduces stress load on the body, indirectly boosting immune response
Magnesium absorption helps regulate inflammation and supports cellular function
The Flōtstōne Difference
At Flōtstōne, our goal is to provide the most comfortable and effective float experience in Chicago’s North Shore:
Spacious Quest Floatation Suites – Nearly 8 feet long, with an extra-large option for couples
Customizable Star Ceilings – Adjustable LED light, starlight, and full darkness settings
Luxury Amenities – Turkish cotton bath sheets, plush micro-fiber robes, natural shower products, and our signature Flōtstōne body butter
Advanced Cleanliness Protocols – Triple filtration, UV exposure, ozone treatment, and hospital-grade cleaning between each session
A Path to Restoration and Renewal
The science of floatation therapy is still evolving, but the combination of early research and real-world results points to one truth: floating can be a transformative tool for both body and mind.
Whether you’re seeking relief from stress, faster athletic recovery, better sleep, or simply a break from the noise of daily life, Flōtstōne offers a sanctuary where you can find stillness, clarity, and rejuvenation.
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